Songs of Spring, from 1916, is a paper covered book published by the Uplifters Club of Los Angeles. L. Frank Baum belonged to this group, which was an offshoot of the Los Angeles Athletic Club, and is pictured on the front cover, on the far right.
The Uplifters was formed by Los Angeles businessmen, and was similar to the idea of the Bohemian Club of San Francisco. The Scarecrow of Oz is dedicated to the Uplifters, and members of the club backed the short lived Oz Film Company.
The book compiles poems from the "Spring Poets' Dinner" of 1914, 1915 and 1916. Baum wrote the introduction and is listed as Poet Laureate of the Uplifters. He also contributed a couple pieces of poetry to this book - as well as being mentioned in several. Apparently Baum played the bass drum in the Uplifters band, and made quite an impression!
The Uplifters established a social club and ranch in Rustic Canyon, near Santa Monica, and many members built second homes there for weekend retreats. The club disbanded in 1947.One of Baum's pieces -
The Massacre
The Spring is the time to make verses;
It's also the time to hear curses;
And I know that I'd orter
Be lead to the slaughter,
Unless the next poem far worse is.
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3 comments:
In the illustration, really a cartoon drawing, I recognize Harry Haldeman and Frank Baum. But what of the other figures in the
pastoral, are they identified in a caption or marker? I think perhaps the architect Dodd is in lower left corner, he with the roll/scroll of papers in his hand. Any ideas?
Thanks.
Chroniclerk
I’m afraid there’s no guide to the cover within the booklet - I can only suppose the subjects were expected to recognize themselves. Which doesn’t help much 100 years later!
Based on other Uplifters caricatures I have seen, I believe it is William Dodd at lower left, Hancock Banning on the instrument, (Haldeman), and then maybe a Judge Lawler to the right of the horse. Baum on far right of course.
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